FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Cultural Grants Program | DOS PAS SLO 2023 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS PAS SLO 2023 002

The FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Cultural Grants Program (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS PAS SLO 2023 002) is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Slovenia (U.S. Embassy Ljubljana). It supports cultural and artistic projects that strengthen cooperation, collaboration, and exchange between the United States and Slovenia. The program is designed for initiatives that bring Slovenian audiences closer to American values, culture, and history through cultural expression, including (but not limited to) art, music, literature, dance, and other creative or cultural formats.

A strong proposal under this NOFO is one that clearly advances bilateral ties and creates meaningful connections between Slovenian and U.S. partners. The Embassy is looking for projects that build and enhance relationships through concrete collaboration, highlight shared heritage and values, and promote mutual understanding. Beyond general cultural programming, the Embassy places real emphasis on projects that show the diversity of American society and that engage audiences in ways that feel inclusive and relevant. This can include featuring American artists (either as participants, collaborators, or honorees), celebrating American cultural contributions, or designing programming that reaches new or younger audiences rather than only established cultural circles.

Special consideration is given to proposals that incorporate human rights themes and civic-minded engagement. In practice, this means projects that intentionally include elements such as tolerance, respect for diversity, and support for historically marginalized communities, or that encourage youth engagement, volunteerism, and active citizenship. The Embassy signals that it is not only funding cultural events for their own sake, but also cultural work that helps communities talk about identity, inclusion, and democratic values in a constructive way while still remaining grounded in arts and culture.

From a project design standpoint, the NOFO stresses sustainability and quality of execution. Competitive applications should present a well-managed plan with strong artistic or cultural merit, clearly defined goals, and outcomes that can be described and measured. The Embassy also expects visibility: proposals should include a plan to acknowledge U.S. Embassy support and to amplify the collaboration through traditional media and/or digital outreach. In other words, the project should not be invisible outside the immediate participants; it should have a communications approach that helps the broader public recognize the U.S.-Slovenia partnership.

Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education), and individuals. The funding activity areas align with arts, education, and humanities (CFDA 19.040). The opportunity was created on January 27, 2023, with an original closing date of March 14, 2023. The award ceiling is $10,000 per award, and the Embassy anticipated making about 10 awards, indicating a small-grants program intended to fund multiple focused, well-scoped cultural projects rather than a few large initiatives.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Slovenia in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), education, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Cultural Grants Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 27, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 14, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.

Apply for DOS PAS SLO 2023 002

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